Bunions are foot deformities identified by a “bump” at the base of the big toe. They form when the bone or tissues at the metatarsophalangeal joint move out of place forcing the toe to bend toward the others, which results in a lump on the foot bone that is often painful. Bunions are brought about by years of abnormal motion and pressure on the joint and are a symptom of poor foot development, usually caused by gait, inherited foot type, or poorly fitting shoes.
Symptoms include swelling, pain, or redness near the base of the big toe, stiffness of the toe, and the development of calluses or a firm bump on the outside base of the big toe.
If you are developing a bunion, a podiatrist can help prevent the progression of the deformity. This may include prescribing orthotics or providing shoe recommendations.
If conservative treatments fail, your doctor may recommend surgical repair if you are a good candidate. A bunionectomy removes the bony prominence and is best for less severe deformities. Severe bunions may involve cutting more bone and realigning the joint. More recently, Lapiplasty® has become a popular surgical treatment for bunions due to improved recovery time and outcome. Different treatment options depend on your bunion and symptoms and can be discussed with your doctor during your evaluation.
